Elastic exercise device

ABSTRACT

An exercise device includes an elastic member having a first hand portion and a band portion. The first hand portion includes a first finger sheath portion and a second finger sheath portion. The band portion extends from the first hand portion. The band portion has a generally rectangular flat sheet shape. The finger sheath portions of the first hand portion are aligned along a first plane. Preferably, the first plane is substantially perpendicular to a surface plane of the band portion, such that openings for the finger sheath portions of the first hand portion are formed in the surface plane of the band portion. The exercise device preferably consists of a single molded piece, wherein the single molded piece is the elastic member. The exercise device preferably includes a second hand portion like the first hand portion (preferably mirror symmetrical), with the band portion extending there between.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to exercise devices. In oneaspect it relates more particularly to an elastic exercise device thatmay be used to isolate and exercise the fingers, wrists, and hands.

BACKGROUND

There are many exercise devices on the market for fitness,rehabilitation, and therapeutic use. However, many of such devices arelarge, heavy, and cumbersome to store. Also, many of such devices arecomplex and expensive. Such devices may only be found in an office of aphysical therapist, at a rehabilitation center, at a doctor's office, orat a hospital, for example, because they are too expensive, too complex,or too large for home use. Typically, a patient will require ongoingphysical therapy after an injury, treatment, or surgery. Many patientswould prefer to do repeated rehabilitation or treatment in the comfortof their homes or offices, without the need to commute to a doctor'soffice or a rehabilitation center. Also, home rehabilitation andtreatment is often much less expensive than repeated visits to adoctor's office or a rehabilitation center. Hence, there is a need forexercise devices that are small, light weight, easy to store, easy touse, and inexpensive, while still providing an effective exercise motionand resistance.

With today's increase in computer usage, both at work and recreationallyat home, there is an increasing number of people suffering with finger,hand, wrist, and forearm pain. This pain may be due to any of a widevariety of conditions, such as carpel tunnel syndrome, arthritis, ortendonitis, for example. Such conditions can often be lessened oreliminated through treatment and rehabilitation programs. Usually thesetreatment and rehabilitation programs involve targeted exercises, whichare often prescribed by a doctor or recommended by a physical therapist.Chiropractic clinics, for example, often provide on-site treatment, aswell as at-home treatment or exercise programs to help restore aperson's body and relieve pain in the body. Thus, a continuing needexists for innovative exercise devices that may be used to provide thesetargeted exercises.

There is also a market for exercise equipment used to enhance anathlete's strength for a wide variety of sports. For example, in golf,tennis, racquetball, and baseball, athletes often desire to improvetheir grip and control of the club, racquet, or bat. Hence, there is aneed for exercise devices that will help an athlete improve his/her gripfor sports.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problems and needs outlined above may be addressed by embodiments ofthe present invention. In accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention, an exercise device is provided. The exercise device consistsof a single molded piece. The single molded piece includes an elasticmaterial, and the single molded piece includes a first hand portion anda band portion. The first hand portion includes a first finger sheathportion. The band portion extends from the first hand portion. The firsthand portion and the band portion are integral parts of the singlepiece. The first finger sheath portion may have a generally oval shapedopening, for example. The opening may have an opening width at least twotimes greater than an opening height, as one example. The first handportion may further include a second finger sheath portion locatedadjacent the first finger sheath portion. The second finger sheathportion may be larger than the first finger sheath portion. The firsthand portion may further include a web portion extending between thefirst finger sheath portion and the second finger sheath portion.Alternatively, the second finger sheath portion may be directly adjacentto and in physical contact with the first finger sheath portion. Thefirst hand portion may further include a third finger sheath portion anda fourth finger sheath portion, such that the first, second, third, andfourth finger sheath portions are formed along a same finger plane, andsuch that openings for the first, second, third, and fourth fingersheath portions are formed in a band plane of the band portion. A firstweb portion may extend between the first and second finger sheathportions, a second web portion may extend between the second and thirdfinger sheath portions, and a third web portion may extend between thethird and fourth finger sheath portions, for example. The single moldedpiece may further include a second hand portion. In such case, thesecond hand portion may be identical to the first hand portion, exceptthat the second hand portion is mirror symmetrical to the first handportion. And in such case, the band portion extends between the firsthand portion and the second hand portion such that the first handportion is connected to the second hand portion by the band portion. Theband portion may have a generally rectangular flat sheet shape, forexample. The single molded piece may further include a second bandportion extending from the first hand portion. The elastic material mayinclude a material selected from the following group: rubber, silicon,silicon-based rubber, latex, and combinations thereof, for example.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a exercisedevice is provided. The exercise device includes an elastic member. Theelastic member includes a first hand portion and a band portion. Thefirst hand portion includes a first finger sheath portion and a secondfinger sheath portion. The band portion extends from the first handportion. The first hand portion and the band portion are integral partsof the elastic member. The band portion has a generally rectangular flatsheet shape. The finger sheath portions of the first hand portion arealigned along a first plane. The first plane is substantiallyperpendicular to a surface plane of the band portion, such that openingsfor the finger sheath portions of the first hand portion are formed inthe surface plane of the band portion. The exercise device may consistsof a single molded piece, wherein the single molded piece is the elasticmember. The elastic member may further include a first web portionextending between the first finger sheath portion and the second fingersheath portion.

A method of exercising arm muscles using the exercise device is providesas well. The method may include: (i) placing fingers of a hand at leastpartially in the finger sheath portions; (ii) retaining the band portionat a distal location relative to the first hand portion; and (iii)pivoting a wrist of the hand to perform a wrist extension and/or wristabduction motion while stretching the band portion to provide resistanceto the wrist extension and/or wrist abduction motion, for example. Asanother example, a method of exercising hand and arm muscles using theexercise device may include: (i) placing fingers of a hand at leastpartially in the finger sheath portions; (ii) retaining the band portionat a distal location relative to the first hand portion while the handis in a partially closed configuration; and (iii) opening the hand whilestretching the band portion to provide resistance to the hand opening.As yet another example, a method of exercising hand muscles using theexercise device may include: (i) placing fingers of a hand at leastpartially in the finger sheath portions; and (ii) spreading the fingersrelative to each other to perform a finger abduction motion whilestretching the elastic member at the finger sheath portions to provideresistance to the spreading of the fingers.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, abilateral exercise device is provided. In this case, the bilateralexercise device consists of a single molded piece of elastic material.The single molded piece includes a left hand portion, a right handportion, and a band portion. The left hand portion includes a first leftfinger sheath portion, a second left finger sheath portion, a third leftfinger sheath portion, a fourth left finger sheath portion, a first leftweb portion, a second left web portion, and a third left web portion.The first left web portion extends between the first left finger sheathportion and the second left finger sheath portion. The second left webportion extends between the second left finger sheath portion and thethird left finger sheath portion. The third left web portion extendsbetween the third left finger sheath portion and the fourth left fingersheath portion. The right hand portion includes a first right fingersheath portion, a second right finger sheath portion, a third rightfinger sheath portion, a fourth right finger sheath portion, a firstright web portion, a second right web portion, and a third right webportion. The first right web portion extends between the first rightfinger sheath portion and the second right finger sheath portion. Thesecond right web portion extends between the second right finger sheathportion and the third right finger sheath portion. The third right webportion extends between the third right finger sheath portion and thefourth right finger sheath portion. The band portion extends between theleft hand portion and the right hand portion. The left hand portion, theright hand portion, and the band portion are integral parts of thesingle molded piece. The band portion has a generally rectangular flatsheet shape. The finger sheath portions of the left hand portion arealigned along a first plane. The first plane is substantiallyperpendicular to a surface plane of the band portion. Openings for thefinger sheath portions of the left hand portion are formed in thesurface plane of the band portion. The finger sheath portions of theright hand portion are aligned along a second plane. The second plane issubstantially perpendicular to the surface plane of the band portion.Openings for the finger sheath portions of the right hand portion areformed in the surface plane of the band portion.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly features of the presentinvention in order that the detailed description of the invention thatfollows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages ofthe invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject ofthe claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilledin the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may bereadily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structuresor processes for carrying out the same purposes of the presentinvention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art thatsuch equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as set forth in the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following is a brief description of the drawings, which illustrateexemplary embodiments of the present invention and in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exercise device in accordance with a firstillustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3-18 show some illustrative exercises that may be performed usingthe first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 shows part of an exercise device in accordance with a secondillustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 shows part of an exercise device in accordance with a thirdillustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 shows part of an exercise device in accordance with a fourthillustrative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 22 shows part of an exercise device in accordance with a fifthillustrative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are usedherein to designate like or similar elements throughout the variousviews, illustrative embodiments of the present invention are shown anddescribed. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in someinstances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in placesfor illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate the many possible applications and variations of the presentinvention based on the following illustrative embodiments of the presentinvention.

Generally, an embodiment of the present invention provides an elasticexercise device and methods of using the same. FIGS. 1 and 2 show anexercise device 22 in accordance with a first illustrative embodiment ofthe present invention. FIGS. 3-18 show some illustrative exercises thatmay be performed using the device 22 of first embodiment. The device 22of the first illustrative embodiment will be described, and then theillustrative exercises shown in FIGS. 3-18 will be described.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exercise device 22 of the firstillustrative embodiment includes a left hand portion 24, a right handportion 26, and a band portion 28. Preferably, the exercise device 22 ismade from a single molded piece of elastic material (e.g., siliconrubber), but the exercise device 22 may be made of multiple componentsas well. In such case, the left hand portion 24, the right hand portion26, and the band portion 28 are integral parts of a single molded piece.The left hand portion 24 of the first embodiment includes four fingersheath portions 32 and three web portions 34. The web portions 34 extendbetween the finger sheath portions 32. Preferably, each finger sheathportion 32 is sized and shaped according to the finger it is designed toreceive during use of the device 22. However, in other embodiments, eachfinger sheath portion 32 may have an identical size and/or shape, or anynumber of the finger sheath portions 32 may have identical size and/orshape, relative to each other. As shown in FIG. 2, the openings 36 aregenerally oval shaped, which is similar to a cross-section shape of aperson's finger. The openings 36 may have any suitable shape, including(but not limited to) being: rounded, circular, oval, rectangular,rectangular with rounded corners, or any combination thereof, forexample. In a preferred embodiment, the openings 36 have an openingwidth at least two times greater than an opening height.

Preferably, the finger sheath portions 32 of each hand portion 24, 26are aligned along a common plane, as shown in FIG. 2. In otherembodiments, however, some or all of the finger sheath portions 32 for agiven hand portion may not be aligned along a common plane. As shown inFIG. 1, the band portion 28 extends between the left hand portion 24 andthe right hand portion 26. The band portion 28 preferably has agenerally rectangular flat sheet shape. But in other embodiments, theband portion 28 may have any suitable shape and any suitablecross-section (e.g., rectangular, oval, round). The band portion 28 isformed along a band plane. In the first embodiment, the common plane ofthe finger sheath portions 32 for each of the hand portions 24, 26 issubstantially perpendicular to the band plane. As shown in FIG. 2, theopenings 36 of each hand portion of the first embodiment are formed inthe band plane and open at the band plane. In other embodiments (notshown), the finger sheath portion 32 may be oriented differentlyrelative to the band plane (at any suitable angle relative to the bandplane), and/or the openings 36 of the finger sheath portion 32 may beoriented differently relative to the band plane (at any suitable anglerelative to the band plane).

In the first embodiment, the right hand portion 26 is a mirror symmetricimage of the left hand portion 24. In a preferred embodiment, such asthe first embodiment, two hand portions are used to provide a largearray of possible exercises with one device 22. In other embodiments,however, there may be only one hand portion (24 or 26) and a bandportion 28 (instead of having two hand portions 24 and 26). In otherembodiments, there may be only one hand portion (24 or 26). Exercises tothe fingers may be done using the elastic material (web portions 34)between the fingers (finger sheath portions 32) for providing resistanceto the movement of the fingers.

A device 22 of a preferred embodiment is made from silicon rubber.However, an embodiment of the present invention may be made from anysuitable elastic material or combination of materials, including (butnot limited to): rubber, silicon, silicon-based rubber, latex,polyethylene, nylon, metal, any suitable composite thereof, any suitablecompound thereof, or any suitable combination thereof, for example.

Now that the first embodiment has been described, some illustrative usesand exercises that may be performed using the exercise device 22 of thefirst embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3-18. Theexercises described herein are just some of the possible exercises anduses of an embodiment of the present invention, among many others notshown or described.

FIG. 3 shows the exercise device 22 being used to exercise finger andhand muscles. The exercise shown in FIG. 3 may be referred to as afinger abduction exercise. In this exercise, the fingers of theexerciser's hand are inserted into the finger sheath portions 32 (seeFIG. 3). Then, the fingers are spread relative to each other. The webportions 34 between the finger sheath portions 32 provide a resistanceto this movement. This exercise works the hand muscles and the forearmmuscles on the bottom side of the arm in a finger abduction movement.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercise wristand forearm muscles. The exercise shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B may bereferred to as a wrist extension exercise. In this exercise, the fingersof both of the exerciser's hand are inserted into the finger sheathportions 32 of both the left and right hand portions 24, 26 (see FIG.4A). A fist position of this exercise is shown in FIG. 4A, in which thehands are generally straight relative to the forearms with the fingerextended. At this fist position of FIG. 4A, it is preferred to stretchthe band portion 28 slightly to provide tension throughout the fullrange of motion during the exercise. Then, the exerciser transitionsfrom the fist position shown in FIG. 4A to a second position shown inFIG. 4B. The exerciser preferably pivots only at the wrists to expandthe band portion 28, as shown in FIG. 4B. It is also preferred for thisexercise to insert the fingers into the finger sheath portions 32 onlyto the second knuckle of each finger (see FIG. 4A). This changes themuscles targeted by the exercise slightly. The band portion 28 providesthe main resistance in this movement. This exercise mainly works thewrist muscles and forearm muscles on the top of the arm closer to thewrist in an extension movement. As a variation on this exercise, thefingers may be completely inserted into the finger sheath portions 32.By doing so, the exercise will shift some of the focus to the forearmmuscles on the top of the forearm closer to the elbow. These sameexercises may also be performed with only one hand by holding the bandportion 28 with another hand or securing the band portion with anotherdevice. Thus, this same exercise may be performed one arm at a timeusing an embodiment of the present invention that has only one handportion, for example. And furthermore, a person may exercise only onehand or one arm at a time (e.g., if the person only needs torehabilitate one side, or if the other hand and/or arm is injured) usingthe first embodiment of the present invention by simply holding the bandportion 28 or the other hand portion (24 or 26).

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercise wristand forearm muscles in another way, stressing the same muscles (wristextensors) as the exercise shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, but shifting morestress to the upper forearm (more proximal) close to the elbow. Theexercise shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B may be referred to as a fistposition-wrist extension exercise. In this exercise, the fingers of bothof the exerciser's hand are inserted into the finger sheath portions 32of both the left and right hand portions 24, 26 (see FIG. 5A). A fistposition of this exercise is shown in FIG. 5A, in which the hands areclosed and the band portion 28 is held by the tips of the fingers (tosome degree) and in which the wrists are straight. At this fist positionof FIG. 5A, it is preferred to stretch the band portion 28 slightly toprovide tension throughout the full range of motion during the exercise.Then, the exerciser transitions from the fist position shown in FIG. 5Ato a second position shown in FIG. 5B. The exerciser preferably pivotsonly at the wrists to expand the band portion 28, as shown in FIG. 5B.This exercise mainly works the wrist muscles and forearm muscles on thetop of the arm closer to the elbow in an extension movement. This sameexercise may also be performed with only one hand by holding the bandportion 28 with another hand or securing the band portion 28 withanother device. Thus, this same exercise may be performed one arm at atime using an embodiment of the present invention that has only one handportion, for example. And furthermore, a person may exercise only onehand or one arm at a time (e.g., if the person only needs torehabilitate one side, or if the other hand and/or arm is injured) usingthe first embodiment of the present invention by simply holding the bandportion 28 or the other hand portion (24 or 26).

FIGS. 6A and 6B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercisefinger, hand, wrist and forearm muscles. The exercise shown in FIGS. 6Aand 6B may be referred to as a finger extension exercise. In thisexercise, the fingers of an exerciser's hand are inserted into thefinger sheath portions 32 (see FIG. 6A). A fist position of thisexercise is shown in FIG. 6A, in which the fingers are generallystraight but the third knuckles are bent and the wrist is bent back. Theband portion 28 may be retained by resting the wrist and forearm on asurface (not shown) with the band portion 28 there between (see FIG.6A). This will likely be sufficient to hold the band portion 28 duringthe exercise. But if needed or desired, the band portion 28 may be heldby the other hand also or in alternative. At this fist position of FIG.6A, it is preferred to stretch the band portion 28 slightly to providetension throughout the full range of motion during the exercise. Then,the exerciser transitions from the fist position shown in FIG. 6A to asecond position shown in FIG. 6B. The exerciser straightens all knucklesand the wrist to expand the band portion 28. Also the finger sheathportions 32 are likely to be stretch as well, as shown in FIG. 6B. Forthis exercise the fingers may be partially or fully inserted into thefinger sheath portions 32. The band portion 28 provides the mainresistance to this movement, but the finger sheath portions 32 maycontribute to the resistance as well. This exercise mainly works thefinger muscles in an extension movement. This exercise may be performedwith only one hand or with both hands at the same time (using both handportions 24 and 26).

FIGS. 7A and 7B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercisefinger, hand, wrist, and forearm muscles. This is similar to theexercise shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The exercise shown in FIGS. 7A and 7Bmay be referred to as a carpel glide exercise. In this exercise, thefingers of an exerciser's hand are inserted into the finger sheathportions 32 (see FIG. 7A). A fist position of this exercise is shown inFIG. 7A, in which the fingers are bent at the second knuckle but thethird knuckles are only slightly bent or are straight, and the wrist isbent back. The band portion 28 may be retained by resting the wrist andforearm on a surface (not shown) with the band portion 28 there between(see FIG. 7A). This will likely be sufficient to hold the band portion28 during the exercise. But if needed or desired, the band portion 28may be held by the other hand also or in alternative. At this fistposition of FIG. 7A, it is preferred to stretch the band portion 28slightly to provide tension throughout the full range of motion duringthe exercise. Then, the exerciser transitions from the fist positionshown in FIG. 7A to a second position shown in FIG. 7B. The exerciserstraightens all knuckles and the wrist to expand the band portion 28.Also the finger sheath portions 32 are likely to be stretch as well, asshown in FIG. 7B. In this exercise, the fingers may be spread as well atthe second position, as shown in FIG. 7B, to add an additionalexercising of the finger and hand muscles. For this exercise the fingersmay be partially or fully inserted into the finger sheath portions 32.The band portion 28 provides the main resistance to this movement, butthe finger sheath portions 32 may contribute to the resistance as well.This exercise mainly works the finger muscles in an extension movementand wrist muscles in a flexion motion, but it also generates motionthrough the carpel tunnel region of the wrist. This simultaneous motionof wrist flexion and finger extension stimulates the carpel wrist region(increasing blood flow to this region). This exercise may be performedwith only one hand or with both hands at the same time (using both handportions 24 and 26).

FIG. 8 shows a variation on the fist position for the exercises shown inFIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B. In the fist position (compare FIG. 8 to FIGS.6A and 7A), the hand is fully closed. Then, while transitioning to thesecond position, as shown FIG. 6B or 7B, the hand is opened and thefingers are extended.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercise wristand forearm muscles in yet another way. The exercise shown in FIGS. 9Aand 9B may be referred to as a supination/pronation exercise. In thisexercise, the fingers of an exerciser's hand are inserted into thefinger sheath portions 32 of one of the hand portions (24 or 26) (seeFIG. 9A), and the band portion 28 is secured with the other hand. A fistposition of this exercise is shown in FIG. 9A, in which the hand isopen, the wrist is straight, and the band portion 28 is stretched toprovide tension throughout the full range of motion during the exercise.Then, the exerciser transitions from the fist position shown in FIG. 9Ato a second position shown in FIG. 9B, and back again to the fistposition (stretching the band portion 28 in both positions). Theexerciser preferably pivots only at the forearm to expand the bandportion 28 in a rocking motion. This exercise mainly works the wristmuscles and forearm muscles in a twisting movement. This same exercisemay be performed using an embodiment of the present invention that hasonly one hand portion and a band portion 28. This same exercise also maybe performed bilaterally, using both hands (in both hand portions 24 and26) simultaneously.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercisewrist and forearm muscles in still another way. The exercise shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B may be referred to as a bilateral supination/pronationexercise. In this exercise, the fingers of both of the exerciser's handsare inserted into the finger sheath portions 32 of both of the handportions (24 and 26) (see FIG. 10A). This exercise can be done withhands straight or in a fist position. A fist position of this exerciseis shown in FIG. 10A, in which the hands are closed in a firstconfiguration with the tips of the fingers helping to retain the bandportion 28 within the hands. The wrist being exercised (e.g., rightwrist in FIG. 10A) is preferably straight, and the band portion isstretched to provide tension throughout the full range of motion duringthe exercise. Then, the exerciser transitions from the fist positionshown in FIG. 10A to a second position shown in FIG. 10B. The exerciserpreferably pivots only at the forearm to expand the band portion in atwisting motion. This exercise mainly works the wrist muscles andforearm muscles in a twisting movement. This same exercise may beperformed using an embodiment of the present invention that has only onehand portion and a band portion 28. This same exercise also may beperformed bilaterally, using both hands (in both hand portions 24 and26) simultaneously.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercisewrist and forearm muscles in another way. The exercise shown in FIGS. 1Aand 1B may be referred to as a supination/pronation hand and thumbexercise. In this exercise, the fingers of both of the exerciser's handsare inserted into the finger sheath portions 32 of both of the handportions (24 and 26) (see FIG. 11A). This exercise can be done withhands straight or in a fist position. A fist position of this exerciseis shown in FIG. 11A, in which the hands are closed in a firstconfiguration with the tips of the fingers helping to retain the bandportion 28 within the hands. This is similar to the configuration shownin FIG. 10A, except that the band portion is positioned over the thumbin FIG. 11A. The wrist being exercised (e.g., right wrist in FIG. 11A)is preferably straight, and the band portion 28 is stretched to providetension throughout the full range of motion during the exercise. Then,the exerciser transitions from the fist position shown in FIG. 11A to asecond position shown in FIG. 11B. The exerciser preferably pivots onlyat the forearm to expand the band portion 28 in a twisting motion. Thisexercise mainly works the wrist muscles and forearm muscles in atwisting movement, but in an opposite direction of the exercise of FIGS.10A and 10B. This same exercise of FIGS. 11A and 11B may be performedusing an embodiment of the present invention that has only one handportion and a band portion 28. This same exercise also may be performedbilaterally, using both hands (in both hand portions 24 and 26)simultaneously.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercisewrist and forearm muscles in yet another way. The exercise shown inFIGS. 12A and 12B may be referred to as a wrist adduction exercise. Inthis exercise, the fingers of both of the exerciser's hands are insertedinto the finger sheath portions 32 of both of the hand portions (24 and26) (see FIG. 12A). This exercise can be done with hands straight or ina fist position. A fist position of this exercise is shown in FIG. 12A,in which the hands are closed in a first configuration with the tips ofthe fingers helping to retain the band portion 28 within the hands. Thisis similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 11A, with the band portion28 is positioned over the thumb in FIG. 12A. The other hand secures theband portion 28. The wrist being exercised (e.g., right wrist in FIG.12A) is tilted back slightly, and the band portion is stretched toprovide tension throughout the full range of motion during the exercise.Then, the exerciser transitions from the fist position shown in FIG. 12Ato a second position shown in FIG. 12B. The exerciser preferably pivotsonly at the wrist to expand the band portion 28. This exercise mainlyworks the wrist muscles and forearm muscles in a wrist adductionmovement plus an ulnar flexion motion. This same exercise of FIGS. 12Aand 12B may be performed using an embodiment of the present inventionthat has only one hand portion and a band portion 28. This same exercisealso may be performed bilaterally, using both hands (in both handportions 24 and 26) simultaneously.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercisewrist and forearm muscles in yet another way. The exercise shown inFIGS. 13A and 13B may be referred to as a wrist abduction exercise. Inthis exercise, the fingers of both of the exerciser's hands are insertedinto the finger sheath portions 32 of both of the hand portions (24 and26) (see FIG. 13A). This exercise can be done with hands straight or ina fist position. A fist position of this exercise is shown in FIG. 13A,in which the hands are closed in a first configuration with the tips ofthe fingers helping to retain the band portion 28 within the hands. Thewrist being exercised (e.g., right wrist in FIG. 13A) is tilted downslightly (see FIG. 13A), and the band portion 28 is stretched to providetension throughout the full range of motion during the exercise. Then,the exerciser transitions from the fist position shown in FIG. 13A to asecond position shown in FIG. 13B. The exerciser preferably pivots onlyat the wrist to expand the band portion 28. This exercise mainly worksthe wrist muscles and forearm muscles in a wrist abduction movement.This same exercise of FIGS. 13A and 13B may be performed using anembodiment of the present invention that has only one hand portion and aband portion 28. This same exercise also may be performed bilaterally,using both hands (in both hand portions 24 and 26) simultaneously. Insuch case, both hands will be pulling and pivoting away from each other.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show the exercise device 22 being used to exercisewrist and forearm muscles in still another way. The exercise shown inFIGS. 14A and 14B may be referred to as a wrist flexion exercise. Inthis exercise, the fingers of both of the exerciser's hands are insertedinto the finger sheath portions 32 of both of the hand portions (24 and26) (see FIG. 14A). This exercise can be done with hands straight or ina fist position. A fist position of this exercise is shown in FIG. 14A,in which the hands are closed in a first configuration with the tips ofthe fingers helping to retain the band portion 28 within one of thehands. The wrist being exercised (e.g., right wrist in FIG. 14A) istilted back (see FIG. 14A), and the band portion 28 is stretched toprovide tension throughout the full range of motion during the exercise.Then, the exerciser transitions from the fist position shown in FIG. 14Ato a second position shown in FIG. 14B. The exerciser preferably pivotsonly at the wrist to expand the band portion 28. This exercise mainlyworks the wrist muscles and forearm muscles on the bottom side of thearm in a wrist flexion movement. This same exercise of FIGS. 14A and 14Bmay be performed using an embodiment of the present invention that hasonly one hand portion and a band portion 28. This same exercise also maybe performed bilaterally, using both hands (in both hand portions 24 and26) simultaneously.

FIG. 15 shows another use of the exercise device 22 for exercising neckmuscles. The exerciser has his fingers in the finger sheath portions 32of both hand portions (24 and 26), and the band portion 28 is positionedaround the back of the exerciser's head. The exerciser glides his headbackwards while maintaining tension on the band portion 28. The exercisedevice 22 also may be used to work other portions of the neck by tiltingthe head in different directions and by repositioning the band portion28 on the exerciser's head.

The exercise device 22 may also be used to exercise all shoulder,thoracic, and cervical areas, such as the posterior deltoid, the rotatorcuff, mid and lower trapezium, the shoulder girdle, and the muscles ofthe neck. As one example, the exerciser may insert his fingers of eachhand into each hand portion 24, 26 of the device 22. Then, the hands maybe open, partially closed, or fully closed. With the arms extended andthe hands near the waist, the hands can be moved away from each other towork the shoulder areas. When the elbows move along with the upper andlower arms as one unit in an upward motion, the deltoids are worked.When the upper arm is kept to the body during the movement, the rotatorcuff is worked. These are just a few illustrative uses of the exercisedevice 22 of an embodiment being used to work the shoulder areas. Oftenusers who are unable to grasp things firmly with their hands (such aspeople with arthritis or an injury to a hand) have difficulties usingconventional exercise equipment to work the shoulder areas. But usingthe exercise device 22, such users can able to work all shoulder areasbecause the finger sheath portions 32 assist the user in retaining theexercise device 22. This is another advantage provided by an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows the exercise device 22 being used to exercise hand andfinger muscles by expanding the band portion 28 while using the fingersto hold the band portion 28. FIG. 17 shows the exercise device 22 beingused to exercise hand and finger muscles by inserting the thumb and oneof the fingers in finger sheath portions 32 of one of the hand portions(24 or 26). Thus, the resistance in this exercise is provided by the webportions 34 between the finger sheath portions 32 and by stretching theform of the finger sheath portions 32.

FIG. 18 shows the exercise device 22 being used to exercise thumb andhand muscles by inserting the exerciser's thumbs in finger sheathportions 32 of the hand portions 24, 26. With the band portion 28stretched to provide resistance, the thumbs are opened and closed. Thisexercise mainly works the hand muscles that move the thumb in anadduction movement.

FIG. 19 shows part of an exercise device 222 in accordance with a secondillustrative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment,the hand portion 224 has only one enlarged finger sheath portion 232.This finger sheath portion 232 is large enough to receive two or morefingers (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 fingers). This illustrates that the size anddesign of the finger sheath portion(s) of a hand portion may vary fordifferent embodiments.

FIG. 20 shows part of an exercise device 322 in accordance with a thirdillustrative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment,there are no web portions between the finger sheath portions 332, butthe finger sheath portions 332 are connected together. In other words,the finger sheath portions 332 are directly adjacent to and in physicalcontact with each other. This embodiment may allow for the sameexercises to be performed as the first embodiment allows (having webportions 34). In other embodiments (not shown), any number of fingersheath portions may be directly connected (e.g., 0, 2, 3, 4) and anynumber of finger sheath portions may be spaced apart from each other, inany combination on a single hand portion.

FIG. 21 shows part of an exercise device 422 in accordance with a fourthillustrative embodiment of the present invention. In the fourthembodiment, the finger sheath portions 432 are separated for all or mostof the length of the finger sheath portions 432, and there are no webportions between the finger sheath portions 432. Thus, the second,third, and fourth illustrative embodiments of FIGS. 19-21 show thatthere can be variations in the design and layout of the finger sheathportions for embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows part of an exercise device 522 in accordance with a fifthillustrative embodiment of the present invention. In the fifthembodiment, there are two band portions 528 a and 528 b (rather thanjust one band portion 28 as in the first embodiment). Thus in anembodiment of the present invention, there may be any number of bandportions (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, etc.) of any suitable width, thickness,and length.

An embodiment of the present invention may provide one or more of thefollowing advantages:

-   -   Providing an exercise device that works muscles and isolates        specific directions, movements, and angles not possible or not        common with conventional gym equipment;    -   Providing targeted and focused exercises for specific body        parts;    -   Providing a wide range of resistance with the same exercise        device;    -   Providing a myriad of exercises possible with a single exercise        device;    -   Providing the ability to exercise and condition small muscles in        fingers, hands, and forearms;    -   Providing delicate rehabilitation for arthritis, tendonitis,        and/or carpel tunnel;    -   Providing an exercise device that is easy to use and easy to        understand its operation;    -   Providing an exercise device that is portable and easy to        carrying (e.g., while traveling);    -   Providing an exercise device that is small and easy to store        (e.g., in office drawer, in bag, in suitcase);    -   Providing an exercise device that can be used anywhere (e.g., in        office, in car, on plane, at home, at doctor's office, at        rehabilitation center);    -   Providing an exercise device that can be used in strength        training for improving grip for sports activities (e.g., golf,        tennis, baseball);    -   Providing an exercise device that has no complex moving part or        complex mechanics to fail or malfunction;    -   Providing an exercise device that is relatively inexpensive to        produce;    -   Providing an exercise device that is durable and reliable for        years of use;    -   Providing an exercise device that is light weight and compact        for reduced shipping cost to consumers; and    -   Providing an exercise device that can be used to exercise one or        two hands at a time for most exercises.

Although embodiments of the present invention and at least some of itsadvantages have been described in detail, it should be understood thatvarious changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made hereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as definedby the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present applicationis not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of theprocess, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods,and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill inthe art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the presentinvention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter,means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed,that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantiallythe same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may beutilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appendedclaims are intended to include within their scope such processes,machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

1. An exercise device consisting of a single molded piece, wherein thesingle molded piece comprises an elastic material, and the single moldedpiece comprises: a first hand portion, the first hand portion comprisinga first finger sheath portion; and a band portion extending from thefirst hand portion, wherein the first hand portion and the band portionare integral parts of the single piece.
 2. The exercise device of claim1, wherein the first finger sheath portion has a generally oval shapedopening.
 3. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the opening has anopening width at least two times greater than an opening height.
 4. Theexercise device of claim 1, wherein the first hand portion furthercomprises a second finger sheath portion located adjacent the firstfinger sheath portion.
 5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein thesecond finger sheath portion is larger than the first finger sheathportion.
 6. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the first handportion further comprises a web portion extending between the firstfinger sheath portion and the second finger sheath portion.
 7. Theexercise device of claim 4, wherein the second finger sheath portion isdirectly adjacent to and in physical contact with the first fingersheath portion.
 8. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the firsthand portion further comprises a third finger sheath portion and afourth finger sheath portion, such that the first, second, third, andfourth finger sheath portions are formed along a same finger plane, andsuch that openings for the first, second, third, and fourth fingersheath portions are formed in a band plane of the band portion.
 9. Theexercise device of claim 8, wherein a first web portion extends betweenthe first and second finger sheath portions, wherein a second webportion extends between the second and third finger sheath portions, andwherein a third web portion extends between the third and fourth fingersheath portions.
 10. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein the singlemolded piece further comprises a second hand portion, the second handportion being identical to the first hand portion, except that thesecond hand portion is mirror symmetrical to the first hand portion, andwherein the band portion extends between the first hand portion and thesecond hand portion such that the first hand portion is connected to thesecond hand portion by the band portion.
 11. The exercise device ofclaim 1, wherein the band portion has a generally rectangular flat sheetshape.
 12. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the single moldedpiece further comprises a second band portion extending from the firsthand portion.
 13. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the elasticmaterial comprises a material selected from the group consisting ofrubber, silicon, silicon-based rubber, latex, and combinations thereof.14. An exercise device comprising an elastic member, wherein the elasticmember comprises: a first hand portion, the first hand portioncomprising: a first finger sheath portion, a second finger sheathportion; and a band portion extending from the first hand portion,wherein the first hand portion and the band portion are integral partsof the elastic member, wherein the band portion has a generallyrectangular flat sheet shape, and wherein the finger sheath portions ofthe first hand portion are aligned along a first plane, wherein thefirst plane is substantially perpendicular to a surface plane of theband portion, such that openings for the finger sheath portions of thefirst hand portion are formed in the surface plane of the band portion.15. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein the exercise deviceconsists of a single molded piece, and wherein the single molded pieceis the elastic member.
 16. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein theelastic member further comprises a first web portion extending betweenthe first finger sheath portion and the second finger sheath portion.17. A method of exercising arm muscles using the exercise device ofclaim 14, the method comprising: placing fingers of a hand at leastpartially in the finger sheath portions; retaining the band portion at adistal location relative to the first hand portion; and pivoting a wristof the hand to perform a wrist extension and/or wrist abduction motionwhile stretching the band portion to provide resistance to the wristextension and/or wrist abduction motion.
 18. A method of exercising handand arm muscles using the exercise device of claim 14, the methodcomprising: placing fingers of a hand at least partially in the fingersheath portions; retaining the band portion at a distal locationrelative to the first hand portion while the hand is in a partiallyclosed configuration; and opening the hand while stretching the bandportion to provide resistance to the hand opening.
 19. A method ofexercising hand muscles using the exercise device of claim 14, themethod comprising: placing fingers of a hand at least partially in thefinger sheath portions; and spreading the fingers relative to each otherto perform a finger abduction motion while stretching the elastic memberat the finger sheath portions to provide resistance to the spreading ofthe fingers.
 20. A bilateral exercise device consisting of a singlemolded piece of elastic material, wherein the single molded piececomprises: a left hand portion, the left hand portion comprising: afirst left finger sheath portion, a second left finger sheath portion, afirst left web portion extending between the first left finger sheathportion and the second left finger sheath portion, a third left fingersheath portion, a second left web portion extending between the secondleft finger sheath portion and the third left finger sheath portion, afourth left finger sheath portion, and a third left web portionextending between the third left finger sheath portion and the fourthleft finger sheath portion; a right hand portion, the right hand portioncomprising: a first right finger sheath portion, a second right fingersheath portion, a first right web portion extending between the firstright finger sheath portion and the second right finger sheath portion,a third right finger sheath portion, a second right web portionextending between the second right finger sheath portion and the thirdright finger sheath portion, a fourth right finger sheath portion, and athird right web portion extending between the third right finger sheathportion and the fourth right finger sheath portion; and a band portionextending between the left hand portion and the right hand portion,wherein the left hand portion, the right hand portion, and the bandportion are integral parts of the single molded piece, wherein the bandportion has a generally rectangular flat sheet shape, wherein the fingersheath portions of the left hand portion are aligned along a firstplane, wherein the first plane is substantially perpendicular to asurface plane of the band portion, such that openings for the fingersheath portions of the left hand portion are formed in the surface planeof the band portion, and wherein the finger sheath portions of the righthand portion are aligned along a second plane, wherein the second planeis substantially perpendicular to the surface plane of the band portion,such that openings for the finger sheath portions of the right handportion are formed in the surface plane of the band portion.